KS4 Options

KS4 Options for September 2026 start

PLEASE NOTE: THIS PAGE IS BEING UPDATED IN STAGES READY FOR TERM 3 'OPTIONS WEEK' (JAN 2026). SOME ELEMENTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL THE NEW YEAR.

By the end of Year 9, students have completed Key Stage 3. This is the period from Year 7 to Year 9 where students cover a breadth and depth of subjects.

On starting Year 10, students move into Key Stage 4 where they narrow down their subject choices based on a core curriculum and their personal preferences for future study. This page is designed to help students and families with this decision-making process.

The content below will give our students all the information they need to make the options process as easy as possible.

Please note that a summary of Key Stage 4 course content is included in our Curriculum Maps.

We wish our Year 9 students all the best as they make their decisions and embark on this exciting next phase of education.

Explaining the Options Process

Pathways Explained

Please read the information booklet relating to the correct pathway for your student - EBacc or Core.

Check your emails for subject pathway allocation information.

Options EBacc Pathway booklet

Options Core Pathway booklet

Core Subjects

Here you will find videos about GCSE English (both Language and Literature), Mathematics and Science - all core subjects.

Core subjects are the subjects that all Key Stage 4 students study.

Some of the videos below were recorded during lockdown but all subject information remains up-to-date.

Option Subject Information

Please read the Option Subjects Information booklet linked below and watch the subject videos to help you make informed choices within your pathway.

Option Subject Information booklet 2026

Option Subjects

PLEASE NOTE: NEW VIDEOS FOR DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY, FOOD PREPARATION & NUTRITION, HISTORY, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, RELIGIOUS EDUCATION, AND TEXTILES ARE ON THE WAY.

Some of the videos below were recorded during lockdown, however all subject information has been checked to ensure they are all still up-to-date.

Study Skills course

The Study Skills course at Fitzharrys is an invitation only course for students who will benefit from extra support in their learning to help them achieve their goals. 

More details can be found in the document and video links below.

Study Skills course information - coming soon

making your application

Options application forms will be handed out at Parents Evening on Thursday 29th January. If you are unable to attend Parents Evening, students can collect a form from their tutor after this date. Spare copies will also be available from tutors if needed.

Completed options forms are due to be handed in to tutors by Friday 13th February.   

Any Questions?

We'd be pleased to help you

If you have any unanswered questions about any of our courses, please contact the subject leader, or for more general advice you can contact your form tutor.

A reminder that further details and Key Stage 4 course summaries can be found in our Curriculum Maps.